Heartless mum who tortured baby son Tony Hudgell so badly he lost his legs to be FREED from jail

THE heartless mum who tortured her own son Tony Hudgell so badly he lost his legs is to be set free from jail.

Jody Simpson and boyfriend Anthony Smith were caged for ten years for horrifically abusing Tony when he was six weeks old.

The tot was left with numerous life-threatening and life-changing limb fractures, multiple organ failure and sepsis.

Tony was forced to have his legs amputated at the knee but has found happiness with adopted parents Paula and Mark Hudgell.

Simpson and Smith were due to be automatically released on licence halfway through their sentences in summer last year.

But Justice Secretary Dominic Raab stepped in at the last minute to block their release using new powers concerning dangerous offenders.

However, Simpson is now walking free after being jailed in 2018 after Raab conceded her release could not be further delayed by a Court of Appeal challenge.

Simpson was due for release on licence in August, at the halfway point of her sentence, but her case was personally referred to the Parole Board by Mr Raab under new discretionary powers designed to protect the public from dangerous offenders.

In December, following a legal challenge by Simpson, a High Court judge ruled that the minister's bid to delay her release was unlawful and his decisions to refer her case should be quashed.

Tony's adoptive mother Paula Hudgell, 55, said that she had been unaware of Friday's hearing, and was informed of its outcome by a victim liaison officer.

"I was pretty shocked to be told that she was going to be released today," she said.

"We knew at the end of the day that she would be released at some point.

"We now just have to prepare Tony and do all we can for him. It doesn't change anything for him at all."

Mrs Hudgell said Tony faces "daily challenges" but is a "very happy, joyful eight-year-old".

She said she is "very thankful" to Mr Raab and his officials for pursuing his bid to delay Simpson's release.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Public safety is our top priority which is why the Deputy Prime Minister referred this case to the Parole Board and introduced Tony's Law to make sure those who commit unthinkable crimes against children are brought to justice.

"High-risk offenders like Jody Simpson are closely monitored by both the police and the Probation Service and can be sent back to prison if they breach their strict licence conditions."

"I feel they've done everything they possibly could to try and change things," she said, adding: "We appreciate every extra day that she spent in prison from August as a bonus.

Tony was 41 days old when he was assaulted by his birth parents, an attack which caused multiple fractures, dislocations and blunt trauma to the face, leading to organ failure, toxic shock and sepsis.

He was left untreated and in agony for 10 days while suffering from brutal injuries.

Tougher sentencing for child abusers came into force in June, meaning anyone who causes or allows the death of a child or vulnerable adult in their household can now be given up to life in prison - increased from the previous 14-year maximum

The sentencing changes under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 are known as "Tony's Law", following campaigning by the child's adoptive family.